LGBTQ Organizations
Use the filters below to find organizations that support and serve the LGBTQ community.
Category: Local Resource
Youth OUTLOUD
1108 Woodrow St
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 771-7713
A group for LGBTQ+ youth in grades 6-12. They aim to promote open discussion and dialogue in a space where experiences can be shared and meaningful connections can be developed. Their vision is to transform safe spaces of support into brave spaces for action. By developing youth leadership and creating opportunities for youth-led initiatives, they aim to empower young leaders to build a strong community for themselves and for others in the Midlands and beyond. Middle school meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 5-7pm. High school meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 6-8pm. Dinner is always provided.
Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Youth
1332 Main Street, Unit #120
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 771-7713
This group is a peer-support group for all caregivers/parents of LGBTQ+ youth. The group aims to provide an environment to learn about the unique experience of caring for someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ and how to better support/affirm them. This group meets during the first Youth OUTLOUD meeting (the 2nd Sunday of the month) at Queer Haven Books from 5-7 PM. No registration required.
Queer x Disabled
1108 Woodrow St
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 771-7713
The group aims to provide information, opportunities, and support for queer disabled folx by giving everyone the chance to make social connections and discuss experiences being both LGBTQIA+ and disabled in the area. We welcome everyone no matter the disability. Open to anyone with visible and non-visible disabilities, mental health and neurodivergent needs, and friends/family of those who may need assistance. This group is held every first Wednesday from 6-8pm. Ages 18+, no registration required.
Queer x BIPOC
1108 Woodrow St
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 771-7713
This group aims to offer a safe and inclusive space where members can connect, share experiences, and find solidarity within their intersecting identities. This community prioritizes the unique challenges and experiences faced by queer individuals of color, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Through open dialogue, mutual support, and cultural affirmation, this group strives to cultivate a nurturing environment where members can explore their identities, build meaningful relationships, and access resources for personal growth. This group meets on the second and fourth Friday from 7-9pm. Ages 18+. No registration required.
Transfusion
1108 Woodrow Street
Columbia , SC 29205
(803) 771-7713
Transfusion is a peer-led, non-clinical support group committed to supporting the transgender and gender non-conforming & nonbinary community. The meetings are meant to be a supportive and friendly environment, designed to help any individuals who struggle with transgender/gender identity issues. This group is held every third Wednesday from 6-8pm. Ages 18+, no registration required.
The Ladies Room SC
Upstate SCebonisims14@gmail.com
TLR is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center in Upstate South Carolina, serving primarily black and brown trans and non-binary people. They provide: Skills programs for adults and adolescents and sex workers, assistance with HRT and name change process, STD/STI/HIV services, resources for drug addiction, holistic healthcare support, emergency housing and food insecurity assistance, and more.
Lowcountry Pink Pistols
They are a shooting group that honors diversity and is open to all shooters. They help bring new shooters into the practice and provide a fun social environment for all our members. They work to build bridges between the shooting community and other communities, such as those based on alternative sexualities. They advocate the use of lawfully-owned, lawfully-concealed firearms for the self-defense of the sexual minority community.
They proudly represent the Low Country Areas of Charleston, Berkley, Dorchester, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort Counties. (If you’re outside this area, you are still MORE THAN welcome to join.)
Lowcountry in Transition
Charleston, SC
lowcountryintransition@gmail.com
LIT is a group by and for trans and nonbinary adults trying to support each other through creating community, hosting support and social events, and sharing resources. They hold a monthly meeting from 1:00-2:30 on the 4th Saturday of every month, as well as a variety of other online and in-person events and activities.
Uplift Outreach Center
Spartanburg, SC 29301
(864) 381-7234
upliftoutreachcenter@gmail.com
Providing a safe space where youth are accepted and partnering with local organizations to provide LGBTQ+ specific resources to our community. They offer support, increase self-advocacy and culturally competent services to decrease suicide and suicidality. They promote tolerance and acceptance while welcoming and encouraging other community members and organizations to participate in their mission of supporting LGBTQ+ youth and their straight allies.
Uplift Outreach Center is located behind Fernwood Baptist Church off of Greengate Lane. They are within walking distance of the SPARTA Hillcrest bus route. The Center is now open a few afternoons a week to youth up to age 23. Please call for current open hours.
Harriet Hancock Center
1108 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 771-7713
Founded in 1993, HHC provides a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. They host regular social groups, peer-support groups for different communities, Youth OUTLOUD for 6th-12th grade students, and special events. They also provide the Legal Name & Gender Marker Change Program (limited to SC residents).
Pride Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 839-2052
Pride Myrtle Beach is the primary and most active organization advocating for the Myrtle Beach area LGBTQ+ community, dedicated to fostering safe environments and enriching programs that uplift and affirm the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. Collaborating closely with community organizations, medical providers and local government, Pride Myrtle Beach provides easy access to essential services such as medical care, HIV testing and prevention, and educational opportunities. They are also host to a number of cultural events, family spaces, and festivals, including the June Pride Month Picnic and the Myrtle Beach Pride in the Park Festival, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Through their inclusive approach and diverse offerings, Pride Myrtle Beach celebrates and empowers all members of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring they feel supported and valued year-round.
Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA)
4900 O’Hear Ave, Ste 100 PMB 215
North Charleston, South Carolina 29405
(843) 883-0343
info@affa-sc.org
The Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA) is a Charleston-based nonprofit organization. Founded in 1998, AFFA is working to achieve, nurture, and defend equality and full acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people throughout South Carolina. To achieve our mission, we work to build partnerships with municipal and civic leaders, legislators, medical and mental health care providers, policy makers and business leaders to advocate for awareness, protections and equality for the LGBTQ community. AFFA Action is the 501(c)(4) arm of the organization designated to promote social welfare through education, legislative advocacy and political action.
Charleston Pride
info@charlestonpride.org
Charleston Pride’s mission is to promote the visibility of the LGBTQ community by educating society, honoring our heritage, advocating for our culture, and celebrating our diverse society. Their purpose is to highlight the uniqueness and diversity of our community through distinct events throughout the year promoting our history and culture, including the annual Charleston Pride Parade and Festival
MUSC Student Alliance for Equality
45 Courtenay Drive, Suite 213
Charleston, SC 29425
(843) 792-2146
reasonee@musc.edu
The MUSC Student Alliance for Equality (formerly the MUSC Gay Straight Alliance) is an organization of students of all orientations and identities at MUSC designed to provide a sense of community, support, and advocacy for anyone whose real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or alliance may put them in an at risk minority group.
PFLAG: Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
South CarolinaPFLAG’s mission is to build on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ people and allies who support one another and to educate ourselves and our communities to speak up as advocates until all hearts and minds respect, value and affirm LGBTQ people.
South Carolina Local Chapters:
Spartanburg
Anderson
Greenville
Aiken
Rock Hill
Pawleys Island
Savannah, GA
Palmetto Prime
primetimerscharleston@yahoo.com
Palmetto Prime ( Formerly: The Prime Timers of Charleston SC) is a social organization of older gay or bisexual men. Their members are men who choose to have their lives enriched by the diverse activities in which our members engage. No single definition can describe Palmetto Prime members. They come from all walks of life. One thing is true of all Palmetto Prime members, we enjoy the opportunities and friendships that develop in our Chapter.
Palmetto Prime of Charleston, SC is a chapter of the Prime Timers Worldwide (PTWW) organization. They welcome members from other chapters to visit us.
PRISM – College of Charleston
prismcofc@gmail.com
PRISM (formerly Gay-Straight Alliance) is a student-led organization at the College of Charleston. Prism aims to provide a fun, welcoming, and educational environment each week. PRISM’s goal is to support and foster a close community among LGBTQ+ and ally students on campus.
MUSC Ryan White HIV/AIDS Clinic
(843) 792-9200
This Medical University of South Carolina HIV/AIDS clinic serves over 1,300 HIV/AIDS patients with their staff of Infectious Diseases faculty physicians, physician fellows, nurses, social workers, OB-Gyn physicians, psychiatrists, medical case managers, outreach support, peer educator, and a pharmacist.
MUSC Infectious Diseases provides free, confidential HIV testing at our outpatient clinic. To schedule a test or for more information, call 843-876-2905. Walk-ins are welcome. The clinic is located on the 7th floor at 135 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29425.
The Roper St. Francis Health Services Center
1481 Tobias Gadson Blvd
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 402-3093
The Roper St. Francis Health Services Center (formerly: The Ryan White Wellness Center) of Roper St. Francis Healthcare was founded in 2000 to care for the region’s uninsured patients living with HIV. The Wellness Center empowers patients and the community to take charge of their sexual health while championing overall wellness. They are the only one-stop-shop sexual health center in the tri-county offering more than 20 different onsite services.
Takeover Charleston
(843) 364-3774
A fun group of people who meet approximately once a month for a good time. Takeover is a way for Charleston’s LGBTQ community to socialize together all over Charleston. Everyone is always welcome.
Transgender Awareness Alliance (TAA)
1830 S Lake Drive, 84383
Lexington, SC 29073
info@taagg.org
TAA exists to supply emergency assistance to the transgender community of SC and partners with other organizations to create an affirming network of legal, health and consumer resources.
We Are Family
1801 Reynolds Ave, Unit B
North Charleston, South Carolina 29405
(843) 637-9379
info@waf.org
We Are Family’s mission as a Southern grassroots non-profit organization is to provide affirming spaces for LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex) and ally youth up to the age of 24 through direct support, leadership development, and community engagement. Their vision is that LGBTQI+ and ally youth feel empowered to find their places in the world, in their families, and in their communities.